According to El Nuevo Diario's report on January 9th, due to differing positions held by Dominican Republic legislators Selinée Méndez, Charly Mariotti Jr., Ignacio Aracena, and Soraya Suárez, the House meeting decided to send the bill restricting the sale of non-combustible nicotine products back to committee for further review.
Legislator Selinée Méndez has expressed concern about underage individuals using e-cigarette products. She emphasized that lawmakers have a responsibility to address the impact of e-cigarettes on the health of minors. She called for a ban on the use of e-cigarettes by minors and harsh penalties for those who sell e-cigarettes to minors. Legislator Charly Mariotti Jr. cited a report from an international organization, stating that children as young as 11 or 12 years old are already addicted to tobacco, which can affect their brain development.
Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) legislator Ignacio Aracena pointed out that the issue is not only the consumption of e-cigarettes, but also the groups promoting them near schools, which are selling e-cigarettes with prohibited substances to children.
Legislator Soraya Suárez suggested that the bill be sent back to committee again, warning that under the guise of regulation, it may actually foster use, just as with the lax enforcement of hookah laws. She believes that the title of the bill, while appealing, is misleading and is calling for further research and the creation of a law that completely bans the sale of these products.
Speaker Alfredo Pacheco motioned to refer the bill back to committee in accordance with Article 121, Clause 6, and the motion passed with 122 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
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